(from Westminster Catachism I studied as part of my confirmation)
Like most people, I have spent a good amount of time wondering and worrying about what my "purpose" is in life. I have come to believe that the foregoing statement is the key. The tricky part is discerning what the first part looks like in real life. That is one reason I have come to rely so much on contemplative prayer as part of my daily routine in my quest for discernment and wisdom. While I know I don't do a great job on the first part, I have the second part about "fully enjoying Him forever" down in spades - especially when I am biking in such beautiful places. Fortunately, God doesn't wait for me to do my part first - the primary lesson in grace. In any event, I realize how blessed and fortunate I am to have this life I have. My real prayer is that I would feel the same way even when circumstances are not so favorable - in the dark times we all face. To be able to see the blessings even in those circumstances, because they are there. It is all about how we see and choose to respond. In good times and bad.
I decided to deviate a little from my morning routine to take advantage of the beach right outside my door. What a gorgeous morning! No wind and a calmness accompanied by the comforting murmur of the ocean tide. Had the beach essentially to myself. I decided to venture into the surf, and was delighted at how good the cold water felt on my feet. I have been having some foot issues for a while, most recently self-diagnosed plantar fascitis in my left foot for a few months which is sometimes very painful. The good news is that it in no way inhibits my ability to bike. In any event, the cold water of the Pacific felt great.
There were a bunch of gulls lolling in the surf and I decided to try and get close to get a good picture. I was wading in and out of the surf chasing this one elusive potential photo op, when I looked down and realized I had lost one of my crocs. I sort of panicked since these are my off-bike shoes, and I had no awareness of losing the shoe because the water was so cold, or any idea of how long I had been wading around without the shoe. No clue as to where it went missing. Still, I started hunting in the water and in the surf, even though convinced that my shoe had probably floated off somewhere into the Pacific, never to be seen again. Coming to grips emotionally. Miraculously, I came upon the shoe some 15-20 feet away, sitting there in the surf as if waiting for me. Snapped a gratitude picture, and went on my way. Laughing at myself.
Randy and I walked across the street to the Cowbelle Cafe for breakfast. His pancake, with the Marionberry syrup was was so pretty, I had to take a picture.
We left our seaside haven in high spirits around 10:30 am. One of the best places we have stayed - ever. Headed up the coast on hwy 101. It was a little cloudy and cool to start. Passed through several picturesque towns and villages. A goat along the side of the road posed especially for me - I do love animal pictures. We also passed by an elderly woman cheerfully and purposefully striding down the road. She gave a huge arm wave and commented on what a beautiful day it was, and how blessed we are. Randy and I waved back and heartedly agreed.
In Nehalem, we started the first of probably 5-6 long, pretty steep climbs over the next couple of hours. As we approached that initial climb, I was riding up to an apple tree. An apple fell off the tree in front of me at that very moment, so of course I was compelled to stop and pick it up since it was obviously meant for me. One of those fun coincidences. My special apple.
I also came upon another of those "signs of the times" I cannot quite get used to.
Our climbing efforts were rewarded with stunning views of the Oregon coast, coupled with exhilarating downhill rides. We stopped frequently to take pictures, and marvel at the scenery. Met a few folks along the way and had some interesting conversations. Also, saw more touring cyclists than ever, including what looked like one group of 15-20. I suspect most of these are on a long weekend ride down the coast, since it is a little late in the season to start a transam ride. The biggest downside to the ride today was the heavy traffic, probably due to the start of the holiday weekend.
We rolled into Seaside around 2:30 pm and checked into the motel. I could really feel the effects of those multiple long climbs in my legs. Soaked in the tub, did laundry, and started looking at tomorrow's route. Met Randy for dinner, and we rode down the promenade into town. A little too commercial for my taste.
All in all, one of the best biking days ever. Randy and I just kept looking at each other and shaking our heads...
Tomorrow we ride through Astoria and into Washington state. I am a little apprehensive of the July 4 weekend implications with regard to traffic and finding reasonable places to stay. More adventures to come I suspect...camping?
End here with a framed saying in the lobby of our motel by the sea...
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